Our clients in Barton on Sea wanted to transform their existing downstairs cloakroom into a far more practical space by incorporating a fully functional shower. The brief was to create a modern, stylish, and highly practical cloakroom that would work for everyday family life while still feeling spacious and thoughtfully designed.

The existing layout simply didn’t allow for a shower without careful redesign. Working alongside Claire from Claire Louise Interiors, the space was completely reimagined to maximise functionality while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

One of the most significant changes involved relocating the toilet from beneath a half-height window to the opposite side of the room. This adjustment opened up the space and allowed for a much more logical layout that could comfortably accommodate a shower enclosure.

To maintain a sleek and uncluttered feel, we incorporated fitted furniture with a wing-style worktop and integrated basin, creating a seamless run of surfaces that visually expands the room while providing useful storage. The worktop and basin combination delivers a minimalist look that works perfectly in a compact cloakroom environment.

For the shower area, a low-level shower tray was installed flush with the floor, eliminating the need for a step and making the space feel more open. This approach also improves accessibility and enhances the modern design of the room. The enclosure features 8mm thick sliding glass doors by Merlyn, chosen for their smooth operation and solid, high-quality feel.

Instead of traditional tiles, Nuance shower panels were installed within the shower area and used as an upstand along the worktop. This clever design choice creates a cohesive finish throughout the room while removing grout lines that can often become difficult to clean over time. The result is a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic that’s also easier to maintain.

To elevate the overall look, gold brassware from Vado was selected, adding a luxurious touch that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding finishes. The warm metallic accents bring a sense of sophistication to the space while reinforcing the modern design.

Another important improvement involved the door configuration. Our carpentry team rehung the door so that it opens outward rather than into the room, instantly increasing usable internal space and improving circulation within the cloakroom.

Delivering the project required significant groundwork. We organised the installation of a new full-length window, allowing far more natural light to enter the room and enhancing the sense of space. Underground drainage was created to support the new shower installation, and the toilet waste pipe was repositioned to suit the redesigned layout.

The shower tray was carefully installed level with the new floor tiles, ensuring a seamless finish. We then fitted the Nuance panels, Calypso furniture, wing worktop with integrated basin, and Merlyn shower doors. New electrics were also installed, including spotlights and an extractor fan, alongside a towel radiator sized appropriately to deliver the correct heat output for the room.

The result is a beautifully designed downstairs cloakroom with shower in Barton on Sea that balances practicality with style. What was once a basic cloakroom is now a versatile space that provides valuable additional showering facilities for the family while maintaining a sleek, contemporary look.